Joy is an act of resistance. — Toi Derricotte (Poet and co-founder of Cave Canem)
Joy is not merely a fleeting emotion; it is a bold act of defiance. In times of political and social regression, when forces seek to marginalize and erase us, embracing joy asserts our existence. As Radical Faeries, we have always understood this. Our gatherings, laughter, authenticity challenge systems built on fear and division. As we come together under the theme “Joy as Resistance,” we recognize that radical joy is not passive; it sustains us, strengthens our resilience, and empowers us to push back against oppression. Rather than retreat into despair, we cultivate spaces of connection and care, proving that collective well-being is itself a profound declaratory act.
This resistance is more important than ever. Hard-won liberties are under assault from new challenges that aim to silence us. These barriers are not just political—they impact our daily lives. Yet history reminds us that joy is a form of endurance. To celebrate, create, and love despite efforts to suppress us is to say: we are still here. Joy, in this regard, is not merely resistance—it is survival, it is revolution, and it is our way forward.
The untitled cover art was painted by queer Filipino artist Daniel Palma Tayona (1968-2020). The Tagalog verses on the banner read:
Bulagin mo ako’t ako’y makakakita.
Busalan mo ako’t ako’y makakapagsalita.
Sakalin mo ako at ako’y makakahinga.
Kitilin mo ang aking buhay at ako’y magiging malaya.
Blind me and I will see.
Silence me and I will speak.
Choke me and I will breathe.
End my life and I will be free.
Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Any registrations at this time will be put on a wait list, and if we get a cancellation, we will notify people.
There are no more Faerie Fee Funds available for the Spring Gathering at this time. Please email us if you wish to be added to our waiting list in case more Faerie Fee Funds become available due to cancellations.
The registration fee is $450.00 in Canadian funds. Below is the breakdown of the costs:
Cost Per Person (3 days)
Fixed Cost Per Person
Tax
Total
$390.00
$60.98
$22.55
$473.52
Please fill out your registration first.
After registering, you can pay by credit card through Zeffy.
If you are paying by debit, you will be directed to a volunteer near you who can process your debit card.
We do not accept cheques or bank transfers for this gathering. Let us know if you require a different payment arrangement.
Registrations are not complete until both registration and payment are received.
Faerie Fee Funds
As the costs of hosting gatherings rise and disposable incomes for many continue to shrink, the need for Faerie Fee Fund (FFF) has become more urgent than ever. Together, we can ensure this resource remains available for those who need it most, allowing our gatherings to thrive as spaces of inclusion and connection.
The FFF is very limited. We will subsidise up to half the cost to applicants on a low or fixed income on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability). Please request subsidy only if you need it, and request only as much as you need.
And for those who may not need subsidy, but who are nevertheless feeling the impact of rising costs — please know that we are actively exploring a range of ways to keep gatherings as affordable as possible for everyone into the future. The registration fees are set at the minimum level that ensures that we can continue hosting these magical events in a financially sustainable way.
We encourage those who have the means to do so to sponsor someone who might be unable to attend for lack of funds. You can consider donating to our fund.
Having said all that, if you are not able to pay, contact us. We will see what we can do.
Registrations are not complete until paid in full. Ensure that the registrant portion is paid immediately for the requested FFF support to be released. In the event the funds are exhausted, the registrant will be invited to pay the full cost; and if unwilling, their partial fee will be refunded.
Registration Deadline
You can register up until May 15, 2025, if you also pay on the same day.
Wait List
We will keep a first-come, first-served wait list in the event we exceed capacity. If we do have a waitlist, we encourage you to submit a registration application online but do not send in payment until you have been notified by the registrar that a spot has opened.
Confirmation
Upon completion of payment, confirmation will be emailed automatically to registrants with additional details needed to prepare for camp.
Cancellations
Cancellations received prior to May 12, 2025, will be partially refunded. After that date, the numbers are reported to Evans Lake, and we will have to pay for each reserved spot – therefore registration fees may be forfeited for any cancellations received after May 10, 2025. If you must cancel after that date, please notify the planning circle immediately so we can find someone on the waitlist to take your spot.
Location
The venue where this magic manifests is the Evans Lake Forest Sanctuary. Located in the Squamish River Valley, on the unceded territory of the Skwxwu7mesh people, Evans Lake is an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, located 15 kilometres north of Squamish, BC. The secluded lake is surrounded by forested hills, overseen by the mammoth peaks of the Coast Range, and glacier-fed rivers.
Covid Guidelines
We look to the British Columbia Ministry of Health and Evans Lake for current health guidelines, and we are expected to comply with them. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are fluid and can change at a moment’s notice. Some guidelines (or restrictions) we can work with, some we cannot so decisions will be made as best as we can.
We do ask that we all be mindful and keep our community safe, so please be up to date on your vaccinations and be sure to test for Covid before you arrive.
Accessibility
The camp is on a rather hilly terrain that may be a concern for those with mobility issues. We will try and accommodate you as best as we can and find solutions together.
Transportation
Parking is very limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. You can let us know on your registration form if you need a ride or if you can offer a ride. We can coordinate rides to Faerie Camp and a planning circle member will start arrangements in April. There are also several bus services available to take you from Vancouver to Squamish and we can arrange pick-up there.
Facilities
Besides a kitchen/dining hall and sleeping cabins, there is a large recreation hall for heart circles, complete with comfy chesterfields and wood burning fireplace. We also have use of a large log cabin as a meditation, bodywork, and quiet space during the day and as the Love Lounge during the evenings. Then, there is the pristine mountain lake itself – ideal for canoeing and swimming. Bathing suits are allowed but not necessary. The lake comes with all amenities, including canoes and paddle boards. The site has a 10km (6 miles) network of hiking trails. We will include additional details in your confirmation letter.
Accomodations
There are ten heated, “rustic” cabins, each having 11 single beds and communal washrooms, as well as additional limited sleeping rooms in the Recreation Hall for those with mobility issues (please indicate this on your registration form). Sleeping arrangements are not assigned unless you have made special arrangements for sleeping in the Recreation Hall. You must bring all your own bedding.
There is space behind the cabins for those inclined to sleep in tents. Space is assigned on a first come, first served basis. October weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and sudden drops in temperature. The registration fee is the same regardless of whether you choose to sleep in a cabin, tent, or vehicle. Due to limited parking space, the use of campers or RVs is discouraged. If you wish to bring one, please discuss it with the planning circle first to ensure space.
Meals
There will be three meals per full day (dinner will be served on the Friday after arrival and on the Monday of departure breakfast and lunch will be served). The talented kitchen staff produces appetising, well-balanced, and nutritious meals, always including fresh vegetables and salad. They also prepare evening snacks for us to munch on by the campfire. They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and many other specialised diets on a limited basis. Please indicate your dietary needs on your registration form as they will only prepare special diets based on those registrations
Mobile Phones
Signal reception is very erratic, spotty, and unreliable at camp. It is best to put your mobile phone away and fully interact with your Faerie Family face-to-face. There is a phone with the staff at Evans Lake available in case of emergencies.
Safety, Respect and Faerie Ethos
We can all ensure the quality of the gathering by adhering to the sacred principles of faeriedom: safety, confidentiality, and love and respect for one another, including the caring staff of Evans Lake. Please only take, post, or share photos and videos with permission of the subjects. Our ethos calls on each of us to be responsible for our own experiences while respecting the dignity and enjoyment of others, Subject/Subject consciousness. Ask for what you need or want. Speak your truth with compassion. Be direct, be honest. Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no. But above all, be kind and patient with one another. Remember, consent is sexy and mandatory!